ALBUM REVIEW: Lonely World – Acres

ACRES first began to garner real interest with the release of their debut EP Sickness & Health, quickly becoming renowned for memorable hooks and the kind of emotive grace that resonates well within modern melodic hardcore circles. Their first LP Lonely World sees them pick up roughly where they left off, and with the considerable mainstream radio air time they have received thus far, it seems that their novelty is yet to wear off. It has been a long time coming for the Portsmouth outfit, but after a strenuous writing process, they are finally ready to bring an end to the anticipation and cut the ribbon to their long awaited full length.

A lot can happen in two years. In the time since their debut release hit the shelves in 2017, genre favourites CASEY have thrown in the towel, leaving a gaping hole in the industry, and ACRES are a band very much capable of filling that void. At the very least, such comparisons will be made along with a likeness to HOLDING ABSENCE, but as we’ve seen countless times before, good songwriting can be enough to distinguish the best from the rest of the pack. Lonely World is an album that grows, and if nothing else, is the band’s chance to cement their place in the limelight.

It begins with an orchestral intro, building into a sonic aperitif that neatly indicates the kind of emotionally charged atmosphere we can expect to hear across the album. From there, we lead into Medicine, and things begin to lean more towards the frenetic. Perhaps falling guilty of feeling a little noisy in the odd moment, ACRES have flown right out of the traps, presenting a barrage of brash drums and huge, teetering guitar work. Be Alone is a little more spacious, and allows a bit of breathing space by which we can take in the beauty of the band’s musical approach. The sublime vocals of Ben Lumbar front an emotive track that pulses with a vibrant energy. This is ACRES at their best.

The title track is written in a similar vein, and continues to present the band as a flexible entity. Founding member Alex Freeman talks about how they were a “straight up screamo band” in their early years, but it is clear that they have sought to build on this. The result is an album that profits from outbursts of screamo angst, but ultimately branches out into something much more cinematic. Hurt exhibits beautiful clean vocals, which lead towards jarring guitar and screams in the chorus, before falling away into more eclectic beauty. This ability to switch direction mid song continues in Talking In Your Sleep, Sharpen Your Teeth and Skin Over Mine, becoming one of ACRES’ most distinguishable traits. They aren’t scared to mix black and white, and the result is actually an album bursting with colour.

Of course we could pick holes in the musicianship (the album could perhaps benefit from the odd solo or slightly more indulgent playing) but that would be unfair. ACRES whole philosophy feels geared around honesty and a neat finish. Every metal breakdown is counterbalanced by idyllic ambience, and as they continue to churn out lyrical hooks, it’s hard not to fall in love with the whole sound. There is always room in this world for bands that can truly nail such a rich feeling of hope, and ACRES are quickly becoming one of the most engaging. They have worked hard to get to the point they’re at now, and Lonely World feels like a true beginning. Now is the time to stand back and watch them grow.

Rating: 8/10

Lonely World is out now via A Wolf At Your Door Records.

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